Smile - Joker (A piano essay)
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- Опубліковано 13 вер 2024
- Smile - A Piano Essay on the feature film ‘Joker’ (Accompanying commentary)
I. The Supporting Act
The essay opens with a solemn swelling of an F major arpeggio. A ballerina stands elegantly in the spotlight, confusing the viewer: why aren’t the hands in focus? The ironic use of camera focus is the opening statement of this essay, “This is more than just a piano cover.”
This essay focuses on the struggles faced by Arthur Fleck as he tries to integrate in a broken society. The F major arpeggio is distinctive of classical music: strict, regular, and mathematical; it represents the society of Gotham city and the rules which Arthur must comply with. You can hear the melody being constrained by this structure; the right hand is led by the left hand arpeggios and not the other way round. The deep bass notes that are played at the start of each arpeggio act as a grave reminder of this state; always watching, and always ringing in Arthur’s mind.
II. The Waltz
The next stage in the essay opens with a change in pace. The strict arpeggios are replaced with oddly placed waltz rhythms. The broken rhythm represents a broken society; it is progressing in the same way that classical music moved towards romanticism but it struggles to adapt to the sudden period of transition. A deliberate robotic playing of the melody tells the story of how Arthur struggles to integrate with society. Yes, the melody and the accompaniment are in sync, but only in such a mechanically rigid way that the outcome is practically laughable.
Arthur quickly realises the futility of his actions. An Ab diminished chord strikes and Arthur begins to dance to his own waltz. The melody comes to life in its own flair and the waltz accompaniment shifts to smooth left hand passages. Opening this passage is a hesitation. Arthur isn’t sure if he should be himself, however the beautiful theme bursts with never-before-seen colours and emotions that could only be seen once Arthur broke free from the metaphoric prison cell bars of Gotham’s society.
III. The Transformation
Arthur enters a state of epiphany. He is no longer constrained.
The music changes key and the theme plays over and over again in twisted variations. Arthur is playing with his newfound reality and toying with the dark fantasies that come with it. As Arthur descends into his true self, so does the melody. The performer’s hands move further and further away from the spotlight as Arthur transforms. Finally, Arthur finds himself and the music shifts back to the key of F major in a rapid but powerful build up.
Momentary silence ensues as the world holds its breath. The velvet curtains lift… and out steps Joker.
IV. The Triumph
Epic left hand passages and rich lyrical right hand octaves blend together in a symphony of emotions. Arthur Fleck is no more and Joker is born. The leads have switched places. The left hand now compliments the right hand melodies, not the other way round. Joker is the singular truth; all must bow to his will.
Drum rolls in the form of left hand octave tremolos prepare the audience for one last act. The essay reaches the climax, two claps of a C7 chord, the scene where Joker stomps the stairs in full blown confidence. To end the essay, a delicate arpeggio is played by the left hand; society is in a better place (at least in the eyes of Joker) and the essay comes to its end. The left hand returns to the bottom of the keyboard where society will always remain while the right hand ends side-by-side with the ballerina. Now, both the Joker and the ballerina are in focus. The Joker is no longer just a supporting act. As Arthur says himself, “People are noticing me.”
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Note: Accompanying text essay in the description above!
Now back to the usual commentary... I watched 'Joker' about two weeks ago and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. In particular, the trailer music was so hauntingly beautiful that I knew I wanted to share my interpretation of the film through an interpretation of the 'Smile' theme. This cover doesn't follow the structure of the original song because I wanted to retell the story of Joker through this music. I did however return to the orchestral trailer music because that was such a gripping first impression of the film for me (especially the two stomps on the stairs). In the end, I was left with more than just a cover; I had written an essay on the piano. If you have two minutes to spare, please give the text essay a read. This cover was carefully planned out and I'd love for you to understand my interpretation.
(As always, this was played by ear)
Your pianist,
Lucky Piano
Explicit and inappropriate comments
BY EAR?????? nahhhh thats crazy
This is seriously incredible. How the body of the text so perfectly matches the music is mind-blowing.
I listened to the piece first without reading the essay, and then rewatched the video but reading the essay at the same time.
I would highly recommend this as it paints the music in a while new light.
Great work once again.
That's perfect. It's exactly how I would've wanted people to watch it!
This is (unironically) epic.
Thanks :)
So far the closest true arrangement of the sadness and wickedness that hides behind the title of this song - Smile on the Internet. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Glad you liked it!
@@LuckyPiano comments... Channels.... ._.
Reading the description along to the listening of the song was amazing, the extraordinary amount of effort put into this is incredible and turned out beautiful. Thank you for videos like this
Glad you liked it buddy :)
2:48 is absolutely COLD
3:46 IS ICE FUCKING COOOOOOOOOOOOLD
Thank you for this beautiful cover ! I loved the essay too ! The way that you portrayed the different feelings that the movie conveys to the spectators is wonderful. Keep up the good work ! :D
Thank you :) It means a lot to me that you read the essay too!
@@LuckyPiano HELP PLSSS!!!
Piano tutorial @ ua-cam.com/video/A8GBZusHu0U/v-deo.html
Smile,
Though your heart is achin'
Smile,
Even though it's breakin'
When there are are clouds in the sky
You'll get by...
If you smile
Through your fear and sorrow
Smile,
And maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shinin' through,
For you...
Light up your face with gladness
Hide, every trace of sadness
Although a tear
may be ever so near
That's the time, You must keep on tryin'
Smile, what's the use of cryin'
You'll find that life is still worth while
If you just smile
If you smile
Through your fear and sorrow
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shinin' through
for you...
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear
May be ever so near
That's the time
You must keep on tryin'
Smile, what's the use of cryin'
You'll find that life is still worth while
If you just smile
If you... just smile :)
Literally just watched this on saturday for my bday and this. Is a treat
Happy birthday!
admiration from Brazil.
Love this. I lucky piano. I was wondering if you could do a cover of the last shadow puppets 'The bourne identity' i think its such a fun song yet deep and meaningful at the same time
Absolutely beautiful as always
Thank you :)
Lovely ❤️
Thank you :)
Just discovered your channel, keep up the good work!
Welcome to the channel :)
Hi lucky Piano
This is beyond amazing. Do u think a beginner is able to learn this given the complexity of the piece?
Might be a bit tricky, but no harm in trying!
@@LuckyPiano Help!!!
4 years piano player here, had very few clasdical training but I can play half the waltz so with a bit of training and by learning part by part you might got it ^^
A bit struggling at first but I swear if you learn a part well then another then putting the two together (ex: the intro and the waltz) it will go well ^^.
Good luck ^^
4 years piano player here, had very few clasdical training but I can play half the waltz so with a bit of training and by learning part by part you might got it ^^
A bit struggling at first but I swear if you learn a part well then another then putting the two together (ex: the intro and the waltz) it will go well ^^.
Good luck ^^
Amazing work here man
Thanks :)
Will you cover Miracle Aligner by The Last Shadow Puppets someday?
@Phoenix 𝙾𝚙𝚎𝚗 𝙼𝚢 PROFILE Ñ
Increíble!
That was amazing
Thank you :)
Please tell me I can buy the music sheet somewhere! I would pay anything I swear to GOD.
Unfortunately not...
🖤🌟
Im need a download link, NOW
Feel free to message me on my Facebook page and I can send you the audio file